[SkubaSteev686]

I graudated from undergrad with an accounting degree 3 years ago and I got my MBA immediately following that. I took a job as an operations analyst for a bank after getting my MBA. I’ve worked for a year and don’t have a passion for it. I’m considering studying in my free time for the CPA exam to make a career change. I have a contract which I must fulfill at my current job, so I can’t leave immediately. So, I thought I’d try to get as much studying or the test out of the way before trying to transition to another job. I currently don’t have any accounting work experience. Therefore, I don’t meet all the requirements in my state to get the certificate immediately. What are some thoughts I should consider before pursuing a new career in accounting?

[HumanPiranha]

i probably wouldnt put the cart before the horse. first you should figure out if you actually enjoy the accounting field. there is no sense spending multiple months/hundreds of hours and dropping a few thousand dollars of the exam if you are not even sure you would enjoy being an accountant.

[Anonymous]

First try:

-Bungee jumping with too long of a cord.

-Impailing your body with large shark hooks suspended by rope and lifting yourself off the ground.

-Getting one of those big round rings inserted into your lower lip.

Then if those aren't painful enough, go for it. 😀

CPAPending

[kmwgrace]

Agree with HumanPiranha. Also you should check your state's board of accountancy to see what classroom requirements you need in order to get the CPA. For example, in my state you have to take governmental accounting – that's not required in every state. There may be other classes that you would need to take that you wouldn't necessarily have taken as part of your MBA.

~ Kate... MTX!
CPA exam on hold while I homeschool my 6 year old!

[SkubaSteev686]

I appreciate everyone's comments… kmwgrace, I've already made sure I meet all the requirements, except for the work experience, in my state. At this point in my life, it's either pursue something like this or do nothing at all. If I choose this course, I think I'll invest in the CPAexcel study material and take it from there over the next year or more. I also agree that it is a large investment in time and money to pursue a field in which I haven't worked. But, my current workload is so light that not doing anything is a waste of time, and I need to come up with a plan to change my career future and potential…even if I remain in banking.

[Author]

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